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Current Opportunities

Support Worker – SAFExst Program - Regular Full-Time

Support Worker – SAFExst Program
Regular Full-Time Position
Ongoing Posting

Located in Penticton, BC, SOWINS is a registered charitable Society that provides a wide range of services in residential and non-residential settings to individuals who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing abuse. Services include; transitional housing, counselling services, community based victim support services, SAFEXST program for individuals engaged in sex trade, and mobile harm reduction outreach services.

SOWINS’s vision is one where all individuals have the ability to make choices to live a safe and healthy life. We strive to work from an intersectional feminist philosophy and support trauma and violence informed practice and harm reduction models.

SOWINS serves a diverse group of people and we aim to maintain a staff group that reflects the diversity. People of diverse backgrounds and cultures are encouraged to apply.

ABOUT THE ROLE:
As part of the SAFExst team, The Support Worker offers early intervention, support, and harm reduction to individuals currently involved in, or at risk of engagement in street-based sex work and to persons engaging in “survival sex” through empathic first response, street level engagement, outreach services in a Drop-in Centre, and/or residential shelter setting. The Support Worker works directly with people who experience barriers to overall health and wellbeing including, but not limited to: chronic homelessness or unstable/unsafe housing, intergenerational trauma, histories or ongoing experiences of violence, substance use/addiction, mental health issues, systemic abuse, lack of safety, social isolation, discrimination, and stigma.

The Support Worker provides tailored support based on individual needs and goals as well as referrals and transitions to other services. The Support Worker also provides strengths-based and capacity-building guidance to promote client wellness and self-efficacy.
Gender is a bona fide occupational requirement of this position: only women (trans, cis), gender diverse, and two-spirit applicants will be considered.

Schedule: This position averages 37 hours per week. Shifts are Monday-Friday, 9am – 4.30pm with a 30 minute paid lunch break. Some flexibility may be needed to meet client’s needs.Start date: ASAPUnion: This position requires union membership, under Health Sciences Association (HSA).Wage: $20.78– $24.20 depending on length of service (HSA Grid 11)Benefits: We offer an excellent benefit package! SOWINS covers 100% of MSP premium, extended health plan, dental plan, and life insurance premiums. This position is also eligible for the Municipal Pension Plan (MPP). Entitlements to health and welfare benefits, sick leave, vacation etc. are as detailed by the General Services Collective Agreement.

ABOUT YOU:
You are a feminist, dedicated to harm reduction. Your definition of woman includes transgender, two-spirit, and intersex women. You are familiar with the impacts of colonization, as it applies to Canada, and you understand the impacts of the residential school system, and the 60’s scoop. You are sex worker positive. You are committed to working with a wide variety of women including those who may be experiencing substance use, and/or barriers to mental wellness. You support women in the ways they ask, ensuring their dignity and autonomy is upheld. You support women who choose abstinence, but understand that abstinence is just one option for women struggling with substance use.

PEACE Counsellor- Casual On-call

Located in Penticton, BC, the South Okanagan Women in Need Society (SOWINS) is a registered charitable Society that provides a wide range of services in residential and non-residential settings to individuals who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing abuse. Most services focus on serving women and children. SOWINS works from an intersectional feminist philosophy and supports trauma-informed practice and harm reduction models.
SOWINS serves a diverse group of people and we aim to maintain a staff group that reflects the diversity. People of diverse backgrounds and cultures are encouraged to apply.ABOUT THE ROLE:
As part of the counselling team, and reporting to the Manager Counselling & Victim Services, the PEACE Counsellors at SOWINS provide mid-range individual and group counselling and additional supports to women who have been victims of various forms of abuse – or at risk of experiencing abuse. This may include, but not limited to physical abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, psychological abuse, and/or sexual assault. Counselling uses techniques such as therapeutic group counselling and self-skill workshops
Gender is a bona fide occupational requirement of this position: only women (trans, cis), gender diverse, and two-spirit applicants will be considered.Schedule: This is a casual on-call position. This means you may be called in to work on short notice as needed. Shifts generally take place Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, however some flexibility may be needed to meet client’s needs.Union: This position requires union membership, under Health Sciences Association (HSA).Wage: $27.59 to start (HSA Grid 13P) + 10.2 in lieu.EXPERIENCE:
• Two years recent related experience working with children and youth who have experienced violence or abuse.

The PEACE Counsellor may be required to use their personal vehicle during performance of duties. Thus the successful applicant must have access to a vehicle with appropriate level of insurance to transport clients.

Located in Penticton, BC, the South Okanagan Women in Need Society (SOWINS) is a registered charitable Society that provides a wide range of services in residential and non-residential settings to individuals who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing abuse. Most services focus on serving women and children. SOWINS works from an intersectional feminist philosophy and supports trauma-informed practice and harm reduction models.
SOWINS serves a diverse group of people and we aim to maintain a staff group that reflects the diversity. People of diverse backgrounds and cultures are encouraged to apply.

ABOUT THE ROLE:
As part of the Community Based Victim Support Services team, and reporting to the Manager of Counselling and Victim Services, the Victim Support Worker provides non-judgmental and professional support to victims of crime and their families. The Victim Support worker will provide services meant to minimize the impact of crime and trauma of victims and assist in their recovery. Their work will involve clientele of all age demographics, differing cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. The Victim Support worker provides seamless service by collaborating with community partners to provide supports through the Criminal Justice System process.
Gender is a bona fide occupational requirement of this position: only women (trans, cis), gender diverse, and two-spirit applicants will be considered.

Schedule:This is a regular part-time position and averages 35 hours per week. Shifts are Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm with a one hour unpaid lunch break. Some flexibility may be needed to meet client’s needs.

*Term: This is a temporary full-time position. The term is expected to be 6 months in length but is dependent on return of incumbent.Start date: ASAPUnion: This position requires union membership, under Health Sciences Association (HSA).Wage: $20.78 to start (HSA Grid 11).Benefits: We offer an excellent benefit package! SOWINS covers 100% of MSP premium, extended health plan, dental plan, and life insurance premiums. Entitlements to health and welfare benefits, sick leave, vacation etc. are as detailed by the General Services Collective Agreement.

EXPERIENCE:
• Two years recent related experience in a community-based setting, including experience working with individuals who have experienced violence or abuse.
• Experience working with diverse clientele who face multiple barriers.
• Demonstrated recent experience with the Criminal Justice System an asset.

The Victim Support Worker may be required to use their personal vehicle during performance of duties. Thus the successful applicant must have access to a vehicle with appropriate level of insurance to transport clients.
The successful applicant will have a combination of administrative ability and emotional intelligence to support our clients as they engage with our services.

Stopping the Violence (STV) Counsellor -Regular Part –Time

Located in Penticton, BC, the South Okanagan Women in Need Society (SOWINS) is a registered charitable Society that provides a wide range of services in residential and non-residential settings to individuals who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing abuse. Most services focus on serving women and children. SOWINS works from an intersectional feminist philosophy and supports trauma-informed practice and harm reduction models.
SOWINS serves a diverse group of people and we aim to maintain a staff group that reflects the diversity. People of diverse backgrounds and cultures are encouraged to apply.

ABOUT THE ROLE:
As part of the counselling team, and reporting to the Manager Counselling & Victim Services, the STV Counsellors at SOWINS provide mid-range individual and group counselling and additional supports to women who have been victims of various forms of abuse – or at risk of experiencing abuse. This may include, but not limited to physical abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, psychological abuse, and/or sexual assault. Counselling uses techniques such as therapeutic group counselling and self-skill workshops
Gender is a bona fide occupational requirement of this position: only women (trans, cis), gender diverse, and two-spirit applicants will be considered.

Schedule: This is a regular part-time position and averages 28 hours per week. Shifts will be 9am – 5pm with a one hour unpaid lunch break. Schedule to be determined with your Program Manager. Some flexibility may be needed to meet client’s needs.

EXPERIENCE:
• Two years recent related experience working with individuals who have experienced violence or abuse.
• Two years recent experience working with codependency, violence in relationships, boundaries, and trauma

The STV Counsellor may be required to use their personal vehicle during performance of duties. Thus the successful applicant must have access to a vehicle with appropriate level of insurance to transport clients.

Mobile Outreach Worker - Casual On-Call Position - Ongoing Posting

MOBILE OUTREACH WORKER
Casual On-Call Position
Ongoing Posting

Located in Penticton, BC, the South Okanagan Women in Need Society (SOWINS) is a registered charitable Society that provides a wide range of services in residential and non-residential settings to individuals who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing abuse. These services include the SAFExst program which consists of a drop in center, and mobile harm reduction outreach van.

SOWINS works from an intersectional feminist philosophy and supports trauma and violence informed practice and harm reduction models.

SOWINS serves a diverse group of people and we aim to maintain a staff group that reflects the diversity. People of diverse backgrounds and cultures are encouraged to apply.

ABOUT THE ROLE:
As part of the SAFExst team, The Mobile Outreach Worker offers early intervention, support and distribution of harm reduction services in various communities throughout the South Okanagan, through confidential and empathetic first response, street level engagement and outreach services. The Mobile Outreach Worker works directly with people who experience a range of marginalizing circumstances including, but not limited to: homelessness or unstable/unsafe housing, intergenerational trauma, histories of ongoing experiences of violence, substance use/addiction, mental health issues, involvement in survival sex trade, systemic abuse, lack of safety, social isolation, discrimination and stigma. The Mobile Outreach Worker provides support based on individuals needs and goals as well as referrals and transitions to other services.

This position is open to applicants of all genders and gender expressions.

Schedule: This is a casual on-call position. This means you may be called in to work on short notice as needed. At present Outreach shifts are Tuesday & Thursday, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm and Wednesday & Friday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.Start date: ASAPUnion: This position requires union membership, under Health Sciences Association (HSA).Wage: $20.78 to start (HSA Grid 11) + 10.2% of straight time pay in lieu of vacation pay and stat pay.

Successful applicants will demonstrate an ability to provide safe, confidential and compassionate harm reduction and support services to a diverse community. Knowledge of existing South Okanagan social and healthcare organizations and programs is an asset.
Successful applicants will also be those who can provide month-to-month availability, and respond to shifts that become available on short notice.

For further information about the Mobile Outreach Worker position please review the MOW Job Description

Support Worker – SAFExst Program - Casual On-Call Position

Support Worker – SAFEXST PROGRAM
Casual On-Call Position
Ongoing Posting

Located in Penticton, BC, the South Okanagan Women in Need Society (SOWINS) is a registered charitable Society that provides a wide range of services in residential and non-residential settings to individuals who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing abuse. These services include the SAFExst program which consists of a drop in center, and mobile harm reduction outreach van.

SOWINS works from an intersectional feminist philosophy and supports trauma and violence informed practice and harm reduction models.

SOWINS serves a diverse group of people and we aim to maintain a staff group that reflects the diversity. People of diverse backgrounds and cultures are encouraged to apply.

ABOUT THE ROLE:
As part of the SAFExst team, The Support Worker offers early intervention, support, and harm reduction to individuals currently involved in, or at risk of engagement in street-based sex work and to persons engaging in “survival sex” through empathic first response, street level engagement, outreach services in a Drop-in Centre, and/or residential shelter setting. The Support Worker works directly with people who experience barriers to overall health and wellbeing including, but not limited to: chronic homelessness or unstable/unsafe housing, intergenerational trauma, histories or ongoing experiences of violence, substance use/addiction, mental health issues, systemic abuse, lack of safety, social isolation, discrimination, and stigma.

The Support Worker provides tailored support based on individual needs and goals as well as referrals and transitions to other services. The Support Worker also provides strengths-based and capacity-building guidance to promote client wellness and self-efficacy.
Gender is a bona fide occupational requirement of this position: only women (trans, cis), gender diverse, and two-spirit applicants will be considered.

Schedule: This is a casual on-call position. This means you may be called in to work on short notice as needed. At present, shifts take place Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm.Start date: ASAPUnion: This position requires union membership, under Health Sciences Association (HSA).Wage: $20.78– $24.20 depending on length of service (HSA Grid 11)+ 10.2% of straight time pay in lieu of vacation pay and stat pay.

Successful applicants will demonstrate an ability to provide safe, confidential and compassionate harm reduction and support services to a diverse community. Knowledge of existing South Okanagan social and healthcare organizations and programs is an asset.
Successful applicants will also be those who can provide month-to-month availability, and respond to shifts that become available on short notice.

Women's Support Worker – Transition House - Casual On-Call Position

WOMEN’S SUPPORT WORKER – Transition House
Casual On-Call Position

Ongoing Posting

Located in Penticton, BC, the South Okanagan Women in Need Society (SOWINS) is a registered charitable Society that provides a wide range of services in residential and non-residential settings to individuals who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing abuse. The Transition House provides support in a residential setting for women and their children, and youth. SOWINS works from an intersectional feminist philosophy and supports trauma and violence informed practice and harm reduction models.

SOWINS serves a diverse group of people and we aim to maintain a staff group that reflects the diversity. People of diverse backgrounds and cultures are encouraged to apply.

ABOUT THE ROLE:
As part of a multi-disciplinary team, the Women’s Support Worker provides a wide range of support services to women and their children residing at the transition house. They provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and emotional support, information about the nature of abuse, and support in recognizing, understanding and overcoming the effects of abuse. The Women’s Support Worker assists women to assess and prioritize their needs, and develop short-term plans with the ultimate goal of self-sufficiency and community connectedness.
Services are provided at the Transition House, or at other public locations in the community.
Workers provide transportation and accompaniment to appointments (using SOWINS vehicle) as required.
Gender is a bona fide occupational requirement of this position: only women (trans, cis), gender diverse, and two-spirit applicants will be considered.

Schedule: This is a casual / on-call position, this means you may be called in to work on short notice as needed. The transition house is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Shifts vary from 6.5 hours to 12 hours in length. Casual staff must be available to work overnight and weekend shifts.

Start date: ASAP

Union: This position requires union membership, under Health Sciences Association (HSA).
Wage: $: $20.78– $24.20 depending on length of service (HSA Grid 11)+ 10.2% of straight time pay in lieu of vacation pay and stat pay.

EXPERIENCE:
• 1 year recent related experience in a community-based setting, including experience working with women who have experienced violence or abuse.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Diploma in a related Human/Social Services field.
• Valid First Aid & CPR Level C.
• Non Violent Crisis Intervention Training (NVCI).
• Satisfactory vulnerable sector criminal record check.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license and acceptable current drivers abstract
• Must be physically able to do general household chores; and be able to deal with ongoing crisis situations.
• Must be available to accept shifts on short notice, and work overnight, and weekend shifts